VERBS THAT ARE NOT USUALLY USED IN THE CONTINUOUS FORM

The verbs in the list below are normally used in the simple form because they refer
to states, rather than actions or processes.

SENSES /
PERCEPTION
to feel*
to hear
to see*
to smell
to taste
OPINION
to assume
to believe
to consider
to doubt
to feel (= to think)
to find (= to consider)
to suppose
to think*
MENTAL STATES

to forget

to mind

to imagine

to prefer

to know

to regret

to mean

to want

to notice

to wish

to recognise

MEASUREMENT

to remember

to contain

to understand

to cost

EMOTIONS / DESIRES

to hold

to envy

to measure

to fear

to weigh

to dislike

OTHERS

to hate

to look (=resemble)

to hope

to seem

to like

to be (in most cases)

to love

to have(when it means
"to possess")*

EXCEPTIONS

Perception verbs (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) are often used with can: : I can see...
These verbs may be used in the continuous form but with a different meaning
This coat feels nice and warm. (your perception of the coat's qualities)
John's feeling much better now (his health is improving)
She has three dogs and a cat. (possession)
She's having supper. (She's eating)
I can see Anthony in the garden (perception)
I'm seeing Anthony later (We are planning to meet)